Salary cap analysis part three: Free agent centers

Monday we broke down the Pistons' salary cap standingand yesterday we looked at available point guards. Today, in the third installment, we will evaluate free agent post players. A reminder that the goal is to provide facts and analysis , but leave the final judgment to the reader on how the Pistons should use their money.

Free agent centers

Nazr Mohammed: According to the San Antonio Express-News, Mohammed turned down a four-year extension at the beginning of last season and is not expected to return to the Spurs. Keep in mind, this this report was published before the Spurs dealt Rasho Nesterovic to the Raptors.

Mohammad is still young with a good offensive game. It's doubtful that just offering the full mid-level exception is going to be enough to bring Mohammad to Detroit. Mohammad, who the Spurs used sparingly during the playoffs, will get an offer from the Bulls, or another team, that will assure him more money and more playing time than what Detroit can offer.

Joel Przybilla: Our sister site OregonLive reports that Przybilla has become disenchanted with the Blazers. He's another player on the Bulls' big man radar, and according to Blazers' play-by-play voice Mike Barrett, may also be drawing interest from the Spurs after the Rasho Nesterovic deal.

HoopsHype says Pryzbilla works hard in the paint, has the potential to become a dominant defensive force, but is weak from the foul line.

Foul trouble and injuries kept Pryzbilla off the court for much of last season, but there will likely be plenty of suitors for his service. He is another player to whom the full mid-level exception would seem like a lowball figure compared to what he'll see on the open market.

Lorenzen Wright: Wright made $7.7 million in the final year of his seven-year $42 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, but will be hard-pressed to find that kind of money this time. Wright's minutes significantly decreased last season, pointing to a likely exit from Memphis. A full mid-level exception should be enough to get Wright to listen to a Detroit offer.

Wright is 30 years old, a skilled offensive player and an above-average rebounder, according to HoopsHype. As a starter, Wright has been capable of averaging a double-double, but injuries have forced him to split playing time over the past few seasons.

There isn't much on the free agency rumor mill about Wright right now, but Hoops World, who is on the forefront of NBA coverage for the three Texas teams, suggests that Wright may draw interest from the Spurs if they lose Mohammad in free agency.

Michael Olowokandi: The former No. 1 pick has fallen off the NBA map. After a breakout season in LA, the Kandi Man signed with Minnesota, but after two and a half disastrous years, the Timberwolves dealt him to Boston last season. Olowokandi hardly saw any playing time after arriving in Bean Town, probably pushing his stock further down.

A constant underachiever who's also been plagued with injuries and character concerns, Olowokandi could be a bargain on the free agent market. No longer viewed as a starter, Olowokandi could probably be had for only part of the mid-level exception. He may be interested in a one-year deal so he can try to re-establish his value. His size and offensive skills could make him a nice match with the Pistons. It would be nice to have a plyaer who has both a big body to defend Shaq and the skills to contribute on the offensive end.

Alonzo Mourning: Mourning was a key component in the Heat title run. According to Hoops World, Mourning will be seeking a multi-year contract. He told the AP, "It's time for me to be a little selfish, in the sense of me deciding what's best for me, my career and my family right now."

In many ways Mourning embodies the Pistons' need. He is a great defender, adequate post player and plays with the passion Detroit loves. According to 82games.com, Mourning is one of the best values in the NBA. Mourning's effect on both ends of the floor is apparent in a per 100 possession analysis.

If the Pistons were to offer a two or three-year contract at the full mid-level exception, they could certainly the front-runner to land Mourning.

Melvin Ely: Ely is a restricted free agent, which means that his current team (Charlotte Bobcats) reserves the right to match any contract offer. Last season, Ely posted career highs in minutes, points, rebounds and field goal percentage while splitting time with Primoz Brezec.

82games.com rates his $2.4 million salary a fair value at his , and HoopsHype calls him a good post defender with good shot-blocking skills.

Ely is still young, and the Bobcats will have plenty of cap room next season. It's likely they will match any reasonable offer, while the Pistons would have to overpay to obtain Ely's services.

Loren Woods This one may be a stretch, but if the Pistons use their MLE on a point guard, the former collegiate standout may be a diamond in the rough for the LLE, or possibly even the veteran's minimum.

Woods began last season as Toronto's starting center, but it didn't last long. After spending months on the bench, Woods got some significant minutes at the tail end of last season, including a solid 12-point, 14-rebound performance against Indiana. HoopsHype, says Woods has a nice shooting touch and the ability to be a good player in the NBA. He may be worth a flier if his price tag is low.